2017 Holiday Gift Guide

Special Advertising Section

Friday, December 9th, 2016

Gift giving is an expression of love and appreciation for those who enrich your life throughout the year. Northeast Indiana has an ever-growing collection of swell stores, restaurants and organizations to help you find that perfect something for everyone on your list. From family members young and old, teachers, neighbors, friends and co-workers, make holiday gift giving a snap by shopping our curated lineup of local boutiques and brands for the best presents in all the land! Make your list, check it twice, then shop locally.

Cuisine

ASAKUSAFort Wayne’s first sushi bar is still on top, serving up fantastic, authentic and fresh Japanese fare at two convenient locations. From tender, expertly cut sashimi, sushi and artfully crafted maki rolls to delectable appetizers, salads, soups and Hibachi, Asakusa Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar consistently lands on the city’s various “Best Of” lists – and for good reason. This beloved institution prides itself on serving premium food, in a graceful environment and with excellent customer service. Take a break from cooking and dine at Asakusa for a festive holiday lunch or dinner or schedule take-out catering for your next party. There’s plenty of opportunity for turkey, cranberries and such over the season, so delight your guests with a unique and unexpected menu instead. For the sushi lovers on your list, a gift card to Asakusa, 6401 W. Jefferson Blvd. and 6224 Lima Road, is always a good idea.

FORTEZZA
While you’re shopping local and finding unique gifts at our local downtown shops, enjoy a coffee and pastry break, or possibly lunch, at Fortezza, 819 S. Calhoun St. It will fortify you for the rest of your day and provide some great memories, too, as you take a few moments to relax and chat with your friends and fellow shoppers.

SATEK WINERY
Wine lovers adore Northeast Indiana’s Satek Winery. With roots as an apple orchard and then a commercial vineyard selling grapes to various Indiana wineries, this Steuben County winery has been producing its own, award-winning wines since 2001. Along with its own grapes, Satek uses grapes from Indiana, Michigan and Pennsylvania vineyards as well as some from California. The winery offers dry red and white, semi-dry and semi-sweet, fruit, dessert and ice wine varieties that will please oenophiles anywhere. Visit the winery at 6208 N. Van Guilder Road near Fremont for a fun night out of tasting and learning about the wines, and pick up a few gifts for your wine enthusiasts. Satek Winery offers gift certificates and high-quality, beautifully packaged wine gift boxes for every budget as well as gift-packaged gourmet Red Wine Chocolate Sauce, and every box is topped off with an elegant satin ribbon. What could be better than an elegant gift you don’t even have to wrap yourself?

CORK ‘n CLEAVERKnown for its expansive menu, fantastic cocktails and wine and the best salad bar in town, Cork ‘N Cleaver, 221 E. Washington Center Road, is a distinguished establishment for a business lunch as well as an elegant dinner out. The comfortable and warm, Southwestern-inspired atmosphere, cleaver-style menus and exhibition cooking make for a unique dining experience for family, friends and special events. The menu boasts fine cuts of meat, like the slow-roasted Prime Rib, plus succulent seafood, such as the signature Black and Bleu Salmon, and even a children’s menu that extends beyond the usual fare, because mini gourmands count, too. Featuring garden fresh lettuces and vegetables, both traditional and uncommon toppings and sides, plus house-made dressings, the award-winning salad bar can be a meal unto itself! Host your next company event, meeting or party at Cork ‘N Cleaver; book reservations online, or purchase gift certificates for the connoisseurs on your list. For the holidays, dine with Cork ‘N Cleaver and embrace its motto: Eat Well, Laugh Often, Live Long!

DEBRAND FINE CHOCOLATESSince 1987, DeBrand Fine Chocolates has been providing Fort Wayne (and far, far beyond) with decadent, high quality confections. Fine chocolates, distinctive desserts, including house-made ice creams, espresso drinks and more are crafted from the most premium ingredients and with a commitment to a first-class customer experience. The Classic Collection features the timeless flavors everyone adores with luscious caramels, fruit creams and nut butters while the popular Truffle Collection delivers artistically designed, supreme chocolates that wow. The Connoisseur Collection is an exotic, artisan assortment of flavors and textures featuring inventive flavors thanks to rare spices and ingredients that will delight and tantalize even the most sophisticated palate. Want to switch up your biggest bash of the season? Host a chocolate-tasting night with your nearest and dearest for an out-of-the-box holiday soiree, at one of DeBrand’s stunning locations or in your own home. The entire complement of DeBrand Fine Chocolates is luxuriously full of variety and even customizable options. Each product is stylishly packaged and presented, from small stocking stuffers to the splurge-worthy Chocolate Art Boxes, that will delight at first sight! Indulge at one of four locations: 4110 W. Jefferson Blvd., Suite D1, in Jefferson Pointe; 10105 Auburn Park Dr.; 5608 Coldwater Road, and 878 Harrison St. in Ash Skyline Plaza.

Culture

RESCUE MISSIONThe beauty of giving to others is heightened when giving back to the community and to those less fortunate. The Rescue Mission, 301 W. Superior St., provides immediate care to homeless men, women and children through its four houses: Life House, which provides shelter, basic needs, food and spiritual support for men; Restoration House, which provides short and long term shelter as well as spiritual, emotional, physical and educational programs for men; Charis House, which provides short and long term shelter as well as spiritual, emotional, physical and educational programs for women and children, and Treasure House, a thrift store which helps fund all aspects of The Rescue Mission. This organization helps to provide shelter, food and hope for those struggling to meet their most basic needs. Help bring peace, joy and light into the lives of those suffering in our community by making a donation as a gift in a loved one’s name or as a memorial, in honor of someone no longer with us. Sign up to be a volunteer during the holiday season for an enriching and rewarding experience with family or friends, one that will leave a lasting and meaningful impression.

FORT WAYNE MUSEUM OF ART
The Fort Wayne Museum of Art, 311 E. Main St., is one of the city’s premier cultural institutions, one to be revered and celebrated for its contribution to Fort Wayne and all of Northeast Indiana. A yearly membership to the museum is one of the finest local gifts to be given (or received). Instead of individual gifts for members of one family, consider a membership to FWMoA for a year-long gift that will not only broaden horizons by exposing the recipients to a variety of art, by locals and on up to the great masters, but also give them an enriching activity to do together. In addition to the ever-changing galleries, the museum hosts many special events throughout the year as well as exclusive members-only opportunities. The museum’s Paradigm Gallery shop is wonderfully curated with a diverse selection of merchandise and gifts. You’ll find the most enticing items like jewelry, turned-wood objects, ceramics, handmade apparel and accessories, paintings, photography and origami objects by local, regional and national artists. A gift from the FWMoA is always a thoughtful one.

FORT WAYNE PHILHARMONIC
With world-class musicians, under the leadership of Maestro Andrew Constantine, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic is one of the city’s priceless gems. The thrill of a live orchestra is one of life’s great joys, and it’s a magical experience not to be missed. The meaningful brilliance of “The Phil” has the ability to touch hearts, souls and minds, opening windows into far away worlds, with classic and contemporary musical works. There are concerts for music lovers of every age and interest, including children, from The Philharmonic as well as its Chamber Orchestra, Chorus and Youth Orchestra, and special events throughout the year, with most concerts held at The Embassy and IPFW’s Rhinehart Music Center. Enjoy a night on the town at the Holiday Pops in December, Puccini’s “Tosca” in February or an afternoon Wild West concert for the family in April. Of course, there’s an abundance of programming every month, with options that will appeal to all. Share the artistry and elegance of live orchestra by purchasing tickets to an upcoming show as a gift for music lovers young and old. Call (260) 481-0777 or visit www.fwphil.org for tickets.

OAKWOOD RESORT
Perched on the shores of Indiana’s beautiful Lake Wawasee, the gracious Oakwood Resort, 702 E. Lake View Road, Syracuse, is known for its casual luxury and unparalleled hospitality. The resort is perfect for occasions of any size, from a romantic dinner out to a spectacular wedding. With the on-site restaurant and bar, which features a full menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the serene and comforting Aveda Salon and Spa, boasting a full menu of superior services and a variety of lodging options, from more than 70 gracious rooms, luxury suites and even vacation homes, Oakwood Resort has all the amenities desired for a restful and rejuvenating time away, year round. Through December 18, Oakwood Resort is offering a free $10 gift card with each $100 gift card purchase to The Pier and Back Porch Restaurant. That’s a win-win for both the giver and recipient!

Clothing, Accessories & Home Decor

BARBARA’S NEW BEGINNINGS
To look your best, you need the best undergarments. Visit Barbara’s New Beginnings, 4705 Illinois Road, Suite 108, for a personalized fitting to make sure you’ll look and feel your best in your holiday finery. Guys, a gift certificate from Barbara’s will have your ladies smiling and looking great. Personalized attention is Barbara’s raison d’être, and the store’s certified professional bra fitters can help you find your new favorite bra. They specialize in a wide range of sizes and post-surgical bras and prostheses, not to mention a full selection of gorgeous shapewear. A visit to Barbara’s New Beginnings is truly an “uplifting” experience.

DOGWOODS DECOR
With its roots in Midwestern and Southern styles, Dogwoods is a “stop in and stay a while” sort of shopping experience where you’ll be as likely to find a perfect gift as the perfect décor solution for that empty spot in your home. Staff and owners are glad to help you design for daily life or for a special occasion. Think of them as associates whose ongoing search for those perfect touches extends your own search for just the right thing for each person on your gift list and each spot in your home. Furniture, accents and gifts of casual elegance from an impressive group of top-flight vendors are the goal at Dogwoods, 9805 Illinois Road in Eagle Pointe Shopping Center near Scott Road.

MARY JANE LUXURY ROBES
How liberating and comforting is it to learn that someone is finally using the word “silhouette” while talking about robes? The end of the lumpy look in the morning (while we usually feel lumpy and not ready to face the world, anyway) is at hand! The handmade-in-the-U.S.A. designs of Mary Jane Luxury Robes stand beyond the common robe that “can embarrass more than embrace the wearer,” as the website puts it. They have a look, feel and attitude of casual chic finesse and a form-joins-function sensibility that works for both the regular robes and the thoughtfully designed and presented Hope Collection, which would make a splendid gift for anyone you know who is dealing with a medical condition that keeps her in bed but still receiving visitors. Learn more and make your purchase online at www.maryjaneluxuryrobes.com or call (260) 433-4938. Yep! That’s a local number. We have our own Mary Michalak to thank for this entrepreneurial inspiration.

OPAL & RUBY
One of our area’s most eclectic, stylish and delightful boutiques, Opal & Ruby, 5215 Illinois Road, Suite 104, is your go-to source for fun and fabulous gifts for home, women, men and children. The thoughtfully curated selection offers something for everyone, for every budget, for every occasion. Brand spanking new this season are Coton Colors Ornaments that can be personalized in store as well as tons of holiday gifts and accessories with pizzazz. From the adorable, best-selling sisal trees and (new this year!) corresponding wreaths from Glitterville, Hammond’s Christmas candy, Frasier Fir candles and home fragrance by Thymes (basically a holiday staple at this point), and loads of FUN goodies from Mud Pie, your holiday decorating, entertaining and gift-giving needs, and wants, can be satisfied at one charming shop. Keep the spirit of the season going and check out Santa Land at The Festival of Trees, sponsored by Opal & Ruby. And don’t miss out on the shop’s special Black Friday and Small Business Saturday events and all the other exciting planned promotions in between.

POOL PATIO AND SPAS
For a show-stopping gift that will warm you and your family the whole season long, go big this year and put a cozy, soothing hot tub under the tree! Established in 1965, Pool Patio and Spas, 3204 Illinois Road, has been taking care of Northeast Indiana’s pool and spa needs with high-quality, innovative products and professional service. With a friendly and knowledgeable staff, they offer comprehensive services and a wide variety of products from hot tubs, pools, accessories and cleaning products, including hot tubs of all sizes and features. Make a thrilling statement with one spectacular gift that keeps on giving year round, for many years to come, that can be enjoyed by many. The tranquil, warming waters of a hot tub soothes soles and souls during the frigid, snowy Midwestern weather. What could be nicer than relaxing in a bubbling tub of steaming water when it’s oh-so-cold outside?

SUGAR LOVE BOUTIQUE
Look your best for the holidays with chic, of-the-moment clothing and accessories from Sugar Love Boutique, 918 Woodland Plaza Run. With stylish pieces from a wide variety of labels and price points, the store offers looks that are right on trend for every holiday party on the calendar. Knock out your holiday shopping list with gorgeous gifts for all the fashionable ladies on your list. Sugar Love Boutique’s buyers have their eyes on what’s trending now and what’s to come, keeping Fort Wayne on the cusp of au courant style. Plush blanket scarves in classic plaids, fun and funky graphic tees that can be styled so many ways, sport boots and wellies, cool felt brim hats for a boho chic vibe and sweet, soft, knit pom pom beanies, glittering jewels and even some home decor items, will please all the fashionistas in your life. The latest Kate Spade gift collection landed in-store with adorable paper goods, mugs and travel cups as well as small accessories like pouches and clutches. If you can’t make it into the store, delight in the website’s comprehensive selection and free shipping.

SUPREMECRETE
Is it time to give your home a little gift? Invest in the place that shelters you day after day, year after year? If so, consider decorative concrete flooring for a garage, basement, porch, outdoor living space or patio. If you haven’t looked into the possibilities lately, you’ll be surprised and delighted by what’s possible. The experts at SupremeCrete can get you caught up and inspired by what you can add to your home’s value and utility. To learn more visit www.SupremeCrete.com or call (260) 444-8852.

First appeared in the November and December 2016 issues of Fort Wayne Magazine.